Rights are not a solution for the tensions /

What is the author implying by the phrase comforting but dogmatic in line 8?[2]Points from the Passage.human rights are turninginto a comforting butdogmatic belief that weinvoke relentlessly so wecan try to escape the painfuldilemmas of war andpolitics. (lines 7 9)

InferredThe author is implyingthat having recourse to rights iscomforting because it gives us a sense of solace andsecurity.However, this thinkingis flawed/problematic/not alwaysapplicablebecause it has become so rigid and inflexible (dogmatic)that we do not acknowledge alternatives.3 pts 2 marks, 2 pts 1 mark, 1 pt - 0

In paragraph 3, what reasons does the author offer for what he deems to be the mainweakness of human rights? Use your own words as far as possible. [3]Points from the Passage

In Your Own Words

For many people, such

universality of rights is theirprincipal attraction, but for me itis also their chief weakness. (line 13)

(Inferred)According to the author, the primary limitation of humanrights is that it applies to all regardless of culture orcontext (1)--------------------------------------------------------------This is because while it was originally believed thatrights were sacred / crucial for everyone because theywere God-given and their legitimacy was based on ourdevotion to God / power of the spiritual realm (1)

Human freedom was divinely

ordained As such, the validityof human rights depends onreligious commitment foundedon something beyond the humanworld (lines 16 17)However, many people todayare indifferent or hostile toinstitutionalised religion and thuslack the conviction to subscribeto, least of all uphold these

manypeople today are not interested /unconcerned /

unconvinced by / antagonistic / opposed to religion. (1)This phenomenon in effect demolishes / destroys theentire basis on which the notion that rights is for everyoneis built.OR The whole idea that rights is to be invoked for1

everyone is thus rendered invalid or ineffective. (1)

pts 2 marks. 2 pts 1 mark, 1 pt 0

How does the author illustrate his claim that rights are constructs of civilisation, not anatural human condition? (line 29) Use your own words as far as possible. [2]Points from the Passage

Inferred

In many parts of the world today, human rights simply do

not exist because the state is weak or collapsed,rendered so by authoritarian rule or ineffectivegovernance.In the case of the former, many think that that oncetyranny is demolished, human rights will emerge naturallyfrom the rubble.Along these lines, it may be consoling to believe that thehorrendous cruelty in Syria could be stopped by deposingthe dictator and ending the war.But rights are constructs of civilisation, not a naturalhuman condition.In fact, if the President of Syria were toppled at this point,the most likely result would be a country stuck inchronic war.In other cases where the government has lost controlor credibility, no rule of law prevails in daily life. Inthese circumstances, even the Prime Minister is not safefrom kidnap by armed gangs, as the case has been inLibya.If a new state could be installed in any of theseconditions, would it be one that respected humanrights? (lines 25 35)5

Suggest one reason for the authors questions at the end of paragraph 4.[1]

Points from the

PassageBut what if largesections of thepopulation, orthose that are themost ruthless inimposing theirvalues, do notaccept them?

InferredHe disagrees with the commonly accepted belief that rights are a given(1)ORTo overturn / invalidate / nullify the now-commonly accepted belief thatrights are a given (1)OR

What if manypeople do notwant humanrights? (lines 36 38)6

To make provoke us into considering / make us considerthat the

unlikely alternative to universal human rights is possible (1)ORTo emphasise the possibility that there may be many who maydisagree with the value of rights, thus rendering them void (1)

In paragraph 5, what similarities between evangelical religion and human rights

movements is the author presenting? Use your own words as far as possible. [2]Points from the Passage

In Your Own Words

Those who believe in the value of rights

Bothuphold the conviction that only one way of- Firmly believe that there is only onelife can be good. It is not surprising thenright / correct path in lifethat human rights movements should exhibitsome of the attributes of evangelical religion,- and will do their best to persuade othersthe chief aim of the latter being to convinceof thisnon-believers that salvation can only be- believe that life has no dilemmas / isattained by a personal belief in God.simple/ problems can be solvedIn essence, both evangelical religion andhuman rights movements express theperennial dream of a life without3 pts 2 marks, 2 pts 1 mark, 1 pt - 0irreconcilable conflicts.(lines 41 45)7

a. What does the writer mean when he says that a world in which all rights are protectedis simply impracticable?[1]Points from the Passage

As such, a world in which all rights are

protected is simply impracticable. (line49)

In Your Own Words

It is too idealistic / not feasible for everyonesrights to be upheld / respected / implemented /given in the real world / reality.(1)

b. How is this view supported?[2]

Points from the Passage

In Your Own Words

A case in point would be the longstanding

debate on capital punishment. Pro-lifeactivists have always questioned the powerof the state to claim any individuals right tolive, regardless of the severity of his actions.On the other hand, those holding aretributive view of justice firmly believe thatthe court must impose punishments befittingcrimes so that the public abhorrenceis dulyreflected and would-be criminals deterred.

He supports this through examples of how the

rights of different groups will invariablyconflict and thus cannot be protected /given at the same time. (1)

Similarly, freedom of expression is a good

thing, but so is protection from hatespeech.In multi-cultural societies whereracial or religious differences abound, anyinsensitive remark or action can potentially

------------------------------------------------------------If above is nil, no mark for this section.

2nd mark (1) to be awarded for either example:In the case of capital punishment, there is aconflict between the criminals right to lifeversus the need to enact justice or deter futurecriminals.OR

cause deep and irreparable rifts.We all want

to be free to voice our views without fear, butwe also want to be free from being insultedor stigmatised. (lines 49 59)

Similarly, while people in multi-racial / diverse

societies clamour for the right to speak /express themselves freely, they also want toensure / be assured that they are notslandered / maligned by others.

In paragraph 7, what is the writers intention in describing the Ottoman Empire as a

peaceful haven?[2]Points from the Passage

In Your Own Words

Instead of relying on human rights as the

ultimate panacea for various forms of conflict oroppression, let us consider the possibility thatthey are not the only way to protect universalvalues.

The writer wants to show that upholding /

For several centuries,the Ottoman empire was

a haven where religious minorities persecuted inChristian countries could live together in peace.Instead of a system in which everyone wasaccorded similar treatment, there wereseparatesystems of law for each community so thattheir unique beliefs and values wereaccorded due recognition.

OR There may be another / other

alternative(s) for upholding the corebeliefs of humanity. (1)

The Ottoman empire was an example of

how open-mindedness / mutualrespect(1) could be more successful inbridging / resolving conflict than imposinga common set of rights for all.

This illustrates how the practice of tolerance

proves to be a far more powerful approach inreconciling differences and sustaining ordercompared to any rigid enforcement of equalrights for all. (lines 62 71)9 Which aspect of the authors argument is reinforced by the last sentence of thepassage?[1]Points from the Passage

Inferred

But rather than thinking of rights as a

militant creed that can deliver the worldfrom its conflicts, we should recognise rightsfor what they are - useful devices that quiteoften do not work.(lines 75 77)

The authors use of the phrase militant creed

10 Using material from paragraphs 3-6, summarise the authors reasons for not supportingthe universality of human rights.This is because while it was originally believed thatrights were sacred / crucial for everyone because they were God-given, and we as Godscreation are bound to follow Gods rules,Write your summary in no more than 120 words, not counting the opening words whichare printed below. Use your own words as far as possible.4

The author believes that human rights are not universal becausePoints from the Passage

[8]

In Your Own Words

1/a

Such universality of rights is their chief

weakness (line 13 14)

its primary / main limitation is that it is

supposed / claimed to be applicable toeveryone /all

2/b

(Originally, it was believed that) the validity of human

rights depends on religious commitment and founded on something beyond the human world.(lines 17 19)

While it was originally believed that rights were

sacred / crucial for everyone because theywereGod-given, and their legitimacy wasbased on our commitment to God / thepower of the spiritual realm

for the way we should live.

In essence, both evangelical religion and human

While both religion and human rights

supporters stand by / voice /pursue a vision oflife to be one that does not have anytensions,

14/n

Unfortunately, human life as we know it is

imperfect. (line 46)

In reality, life / humanityis flawed.

15 /o

This is not only because every society is bound to

have inherent problems. (lines 46 )

This is because every society / community /

place will have existing difficulties.

16 / p

It is also because we lack any coherent idea of

what an ideal society would actually be like. (lines47 48)

Furthermore we have no concrete / clear

sense of what a perfect world should be like.

17/ q

As such, a world in which all rights are protected is

simply impracticable. (line 49)

Therefore, to take care of / uphold everyones

rights is not feasible / cannot be done.

18 / r

We all want to be free to voice our views without

fear, but we also want to be free from being insultedor stigmatised. (lines 50 59)

Just as everyone wants the liberty to speak up

boldly, we also want to be protected from theslanderous remarks or labelling of others.ORWe often have double standards whenexercising rights, demanding for rights thatinherently contradict or cancel out each other.

19 / s

The two freedoms will always be at odds, (line 59)

ORBoth are universal human values, but they will neverbe reconciled in any kind of harmonious whole.(lines 60 61)

These two liberties will always conflict /

contradict each other / be opposingORThough both are common beliefs held by man,they cannot be resolved / co-exist in anypeaceful way.

20 / t

forthey protect different and competing human

interests. (line 60)

because they guard varied and conflicting /

11 In his article, John Gray claims that the freedom from conflict that people seek in rights isjust an illusion. How far do you agree with his view? In giving your views, explain whereand why you agree or disagree with the author.6

Question Requirements:Students must show an understanding of the authors position on the value of human rights. evaluate the validity of his arguments by bringing in relevant examples to support theirview.Key Ideas in the passage: The belief that human rights is universal cannot stand because it originates from and restson religious conviction and many today no longer believe in the existence of God.

The state and quality of governance have big roles to play in the implementation of humanrights. Only if the state is committed to the welfare of its citizens and has good policies thatensure social stability can any measure of human rights be upheld.

Upholding human rights is not instinctive to man. It can only thrive within whenmany/enough people agree on its value and will stand up for it.

Believing that enforcing human rights is the only way

is an oversimplification of life asone without conflicts, similar to those who might aggressively advocate that only one form ofreligion is valid.

The inherent flaws in our society and the lack of clarity on what an ideal society mightconstitute make it difficult to pro

It is simply not practical to protect everyones rights equally because the rights / demands ofdifferent people / interest groups will invariably conflict.

Human rights are not the necessarily the best solution for conflict or violence. Otherapproaches such as the practice of tolerance or implementing structures which facilitatepeaceful co-existence of different groups may be more effective than rigidly advocatingequal rights for everyone.

We are most likely deluding ourselves if we believe that human rights can removeaggression and disagreements. Their main value lies in the fact that they are a part of mansheritage / human tradition.

FromPassage

the

Paragraph[Lines 13 22]suchuniversalityrightsis

oftheir

Elaboration and Evaluation

The validity of rights depends on religious conviction but many todayno longer subscribe to any religious belief, rendering any notion ofuniversality (that all are entitled to such rights) void.Evaluation

principal attraction,but for me it is alsotheirchiefweakness,believedthatrightsweregrounded in ourduties to the oneGod who created aset of moral lawsforallhumanbeingsthevalidity of humanrights depends onreligiouscommitment andtheacknowledgementthat they are notmerelymansinventionbutfoundedonsomething beyondthe human world.manypeopletodayareindifferentorhostiletoinstitutionalisedreligionrendersnull and void anyuniversal authorityproponents claimfor the institution ofrights.

Many vocal proponents do consider human rights issues from a

religious perspective and the extent to which these violate religiousprecepts or teachings.The debates on euthanasia, abortion or even organ donation draw on corereligious principles such as the sanctity of life, particularly mans duty inpreserving and living out a dignified life as bestowed by God. The deliberatetaking of life (whether it be that of an unborn foetus who has no capacity todefend itself or that of a terminally ill patient who desires to end hissuffering) is seen as an abominable sin akin to man playing God andaltering the balance of life.On the other hand,religious fundamentalism has been used as an excusefor unprecedented acts of violence and even terrorism. There has been arise in religiosity globally since the 1970s and with it, a rise in what manyanalysts call religious terrorism. These groups use a religious idiom andshape their 'mandate' in divine terms. Their goals however, are political:recognition, power, territory or concessions from states. Some examples:- Al Qaeda- AumShinrikyo- Ku Klux Klan- Egyptian Islamic Jihad- Hamas- HezbollahThe CIA's World Factbook gives the world population as 7,021,836,029 (July 2012 est.) and thedistribution of religions as Christian 33.39% (of which Roman Catholic 16.85%, Protestant 6.15%,Orthodox 3.96%, Anglican 1.26%), Muslim 22.74%, Hindu 13.8%, Buddhist 6.77%, Sikh 0.35%, Jewish0.22%, Baha'i 0.11%, other religions 10.95%, non-religious 9.66%, atheists 2.01% (2010 est.).

theyarefundamentallycreatedandenforced by states.In many parts ofthe world today,humanrightssimply do not existbecause the stateisweakorcollapsed,rendered so byauthoritarian ruleorineffectivegovernanceIf anew state could beinstalled in any ofthese conditions,would it be onethatrespectedhuman rights?Paragraph[Lines 35 38]

Paragraph[Lines 41 45]

An effective state or government is crucial to the enforcement of

human rights. However, many parts of the world today lack suchinstitutions, rendering any attempt to uphold human rights invalid.EvaluationIn recent years, the world has seen escalating tensions in parts of the worldwhere the government has failed to recognise the needs and rights of itspopulace.For example, the Arab Spring, a revolutionary wave of demonstrations andprotests riots, and civil wars in the Arab world that began on 18 December2010 and spread throughout the countries of the Arab League show how theunhappiness of the masses ruled by incompetent or corrupt governmentscan erupt in unprecedented violence. By December 2013, rulers had beenforced from power in Tunisia, Egypt, Libyaand Yemen. Civil uprisings haderupted in Bahrainand Syria. Major protests had broken out in Algeria, Iraq,Jordan,Kuwait, Morocco, Israel and Sudan.However, when these widespread protests resulted in violence and socialchaos, the international community stepped in to intervene so that the basicrights of innocent civilians could be protected.

For instance, when the uprising in Libya degenerated into violence as leaderMoammar Gadhafi's forces marched on the opposition-stronghold ofRights only exist Benghazi, the UN Security Council authorized the use of force to protectif enough people civilians. Just 30 days after the Libyan government's crackdown began, anaccept that they international military coalition initiated airstrikes to stop Gadhafi's advance.exist What ifmany people do The Security Council is also increasingly using the International Criminalnot want human Court to investigate war crimes, as in the case of Libya. Overall there is abetter understanding of the value assigned to protecting civilians and therights?prevention of war crimes has become a central aim of the internationalcommunity.

Thisinturnupholdstheconviction that onlyone way of life canbegoodInessence,bothevangelical religionand human rightsmovements

Life itself and by extension the organisation of societies is a complex

and dynamic process. It is impossible to prescribe a single approachthat will cater to the needs and interests of everyone in equal measure.Conflict of rights is inevitable.EvaluationIt may indeed be difficult to accord equal rights to all especially incircumstances where ethnic / religious beliefs or political ambitions ofcertain groups are at odds.Examples include the furore over Danish cartoons representation ofProphet Mohamed, the Israel-Palestinian conflict and

Unfortunately,human life as weknowitisimperfecteverysociety is bound tohaveinherentproblems. It is alsobecause we lackany coherent ideaof what an idealsocietywouldactually be like.Paragraph 6[Lines 49 61]As such, a worldin which all rightsare protected issimplyimpracticableThe two freedomswill always be atodds, for theyprotect differentand competinghuman interests.Both are universalhuman values, butthey will never bereconciled in anykind of harmoniouswhole.

However,social stability and harmony have to be built upona set of

fundamental human values that are formalised and acknowledged by thosein power. Only then will this common understanding provide the basis for theinternational community to interact, dialogue and construct sound policiesboth within their countries and on a regional or global level.

Today, this is embodied the UN Declaration of Human Rights 30 articles

outlining the rights that should be accorded to all.The Universal Declaration begins by recognising that the inherent dignity ofall members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice andpeace in the world.It declares that human rights are universal to beenjoyed by all people, no matter who they are or where they live.There areinclusions on civil and political rights, like the right to life, liberty, free speechand privacy. It also includes economic, social and cultural rights, like theright to social security, health and education.This framework provides a basis for countries and internationalorganisations to work towards the common good and progress of humanity.While not legally binding, it is an expression of the fundamental valueswhich are shared by all members of the international community. Moreimportantly, it has had a profound influence on the development ofinternational human rights law. Some argue that because countries haveconsistently invoked the Declaration for more than sixty years, it hasbecome binding as a part of customary international law.The Universal Declaration has given rise to a range of other internationalagreements which are legally binding on the countries that ratify them.These include:-

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Other binding agreements which expand on the rights contained in the

Universal Declaration include:-

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination 1965

the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women1979the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatmentor Punishment 1984the Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2006

All these provide the legal framework within with marginalised or minoritygroups can be accorded due recognition and dignity, reducing the possibility10

Other approaches advocating tolerance and peaceful co-existence are

far more effective means of resolving conflict as compared to aninsistence on enforcing equal rights for all.EvaluationWhile looking to the institution of human rights alone to solve problems maybe an ideal approach, it is still necessary to ensure that everyone hasaccess to a basic set of rights so that their livelihood and wellbeing canbe taken care of. No society can profess to be an affluent and progressiveone if it does not enact baseline standards that cater to the survival of itscitizens.Many societies adopt a combination of methods by firstly ensuring thatgovernment policies take into account the basic rights of all. This could bedone through the creation of equal opportunities for education, healthcare,housing and employment. Only when these rights are accorded equally toall citizens will there be a level playing field for all to progress and for somemeasure of social contentment and stability to exist. Where thegovernments resources are limited, welfare or advocacy groups may step into represent and take care of the needs of marginalised or disadvantagedgroups(Eg: Singapore)Over and above these basic rights, it has to be acknowledged that there aremany potentially controversial issues within any diverse society that couldbe difficult to reconcile and where the rights of one group may inadvertentlychallenge those of another. This is especially so in todays dynamic andopen climate where there are many external forces beyond anygovernments control. Some examples:- freedom of speech on social media- income disparity in affluent societies- attitudes towards migrant populations

The practice of self-censorship, observation of OB markers and the

values of tolerance, understanding and compromise are alsoindicators of a civil society where individuals or groups may vocalisetheir beliefs or position with the intention of better understanding anothersperspective and seeking the best way forward rather than perpetuatingtension or conflict.11

AQ BandingBand 18-10

Requirements: Systematic reference to the requirements of the question with

evidence of a balanced treatment. Discussion must be explicitly based onstudents society with fully relevant parallels made.Explanation: Shows a good or very good understanding of the authors viewson the concept of human rights and their purpose / value in todays world.Evaluation: Makes very convincing evaluation of the validity of human rightstoday. Shows ability to make judgements and develop arguments to formlogical conclusions. Includes elaboration and support through personal insightand apt illustration from a variety of significant examples.Coherence: Shows impeccable coherence and organization very goodparagraphing, good use of appropriate connectors, very clear development ofideas and logical flow of argument.

Band 24-7

Requirements: Covers requirements of the question adequately but not

necessarily a balanced treatment. Inadequate or superficial references tostudents society.Explanation: Shows an adequate understanding of the of the authors viewson the concept of human rights and their purpose / value in todays world.Evaluation: Evaluation is attempted but is not always convincing, and tendsto be superficial with limited development of ideas, and is not thorough insupport.Coherence: Paragraphing is sometimes helpful and there is a recognizableoverall shape to the answer; arguments are generally cogent.

Band 31-3

Requirements:requirements.

An

incomplete

and/or

unbalanced

treatment

of

the

Explanation: Shows very limited degree of understanding and a higher

incidence of misinterpretation.Evaluation: Tends to be a mere summary of restatement of the text with a fewsimple and undeveloped judgements, with very thin support.Coherence: Paragraphinginconsistent and illogical.0